7.07.2014

Camera Porn

I WISH.

I'm in the market for a new camera. I shouldn't care how it looks as much as how it performs, but I do. First choice is the Leica T-System hands down. A brilliant design and priced accordingly. Maybe one day ... you know, when I grow
up and stop breaking and losing expensive things?

Yeah, I'm not a photographer but I like taking photos and, well, I need goals. Still, my wee brain all but blacks out whenever someone says f-stop within earshot. Due to this genetic mutation combined with straight-up unwillingness to haul a camera bag around, I can't deal with a full-on SLR. I need a small camera that will think for me. My best chance at this is a compact mirrorless interchangeable-lens system because it's a dumbed-down, shiny little object that takes very good photos and will fit in my bag. Perfect.

Believe it or not I did some research. In other words I watched videos of the annoying yet oddly entertaining camera nerds on DigitalRev TV. Because they know a shit-ton about cameras. Mad knowledge. And these Hong Kong hipsters criticize EVERYTHING so I was shocked they didn't hate the Lumix GX7 by Panasonic.

Oh yeah.

But ... Panasonic?? I know, right? And here's how that conversation went with my Nikon-loyal husband:

Him: Panasonic is an electronics company, they make microwaves and vacuum cleaners and shit. They're not even a camera company.

Me: I know that. But digital photography IS electronics if you think about it. Besides, the Nikon, Canon, and Olympus equivalents don't hold up against this one according to some experts on YouTube.
Him: Hmm. Well it's clear you've really looked into this.
Me: I like how it looks.
Him: Ah.

Me: It has wifi.

Him: Got it.

Me: If I ever graduate from photography kindergarten I'll get an SLR from one of the big companies. And maybe even a book on taking photos. But right now I just want this slick little microwave camera. Then I can go around saying "My GX7" ... I mean, that sounds totally rad.

Him: Fine. Whatever makes you happy. [cough] Sucker. [cough]

Anyway. Forget him, I was leaning toward the Lumix after messing around with it in a shop a couple months ago and this comparison video and then this hands-on video sealed it for me. No, it's not the perfect camera but it handles well, the retro design-build is impressive, it's affordable, and the geeks over in Hong Kong conclude by saying it's a small, good-looking camera that has features that aim to please.